CEDARVILLE, Ohio — Cedarville University swept West Liberty University in straight sets, 25-12, 25-16, 25-13, on Saturday at Callan Athletic Center. The Yellow Jackets' efficient attack, marked by a .386 hitting percentage and seven service aces, overwhelmed West Liberty's defense. The match concluded in just over an hour, with the Yellow Jackets registering 50 kills compared to West Liberty's 23.

Cedarville opened Set 1 with a strong start, scoring five consecutive points, including two service aces from Kaley Matney, to take an early 5-1 lead. West Liberty responded with a kill by Dakoda Keni at 5-10, but the Yellow Jackets quickly regained control, extending their lead to 13-5 with a kill by Janae Heegaard. Madelyn Hensley was a key contributor for the Yellow Jackets, recording multiple kills that pushed the score to 16-7. Despite efforts by West Liberty, including kills from Amira DuPree, who was named to the all-tournament team and Ashley Cudnik, the Yellow Jackets capitalized on several errors and maintained their momentum, closing the set with a service ace to win 25-12.

In Set 2, Cedarville established an early lead with back-to-back kills by Cassi Shields and Haley Koch, bringing the score to 2-0. West Liberty responded with a kill from Adrienne Staib and Liv McAtee, leveling the score at 2-2. The Yellow Jackets then surged ahead with a series of successful plays, including a service ace by Nanea Merryman, extending their lead to 13-6. Despite a brief rally from West Liberty, highlighted by kills from Cudnik and Jarynn Hartman, the Yellow Jackets maintained control. The set concluded with Cedarville's Hensley securing the final point, resulting in a 25-16 victory for the Yellow Jackets.

In Set 3, Cedarville established an early lead with a series of strategic plays, including a key kill by Shields at 6-2. West Liberty struggled with service errors, contributing to the Yellow Jackets' advantage. Cedarville's offensive power was evident as they widened the gap to 17-8, with consistent kills from Shields and contributions from Matney. West Liberty's Kyia White managed to keep the team in the game with several kills, but Cedarville's strong finish, capped by a kill from Hensley at 25-13, secured their dominant set victory.

White led the offensive effort for West Liberty with seven kills on 17 attempts, posting a .353 hitting percentage. Cudnik contributed both offensively and defensively, recording five kills and three block assists. Keni facilitated the attack with eight assists while also adding six digs. Olivia Beldean supported the team's setup with seven assists.

Up next for the West Liberty volleyball team is a matchup against Ursuline on Tuesday. The game will take place in Pepper Pike, Ohio, with first serve at 7 p.m.